Modular antitachyarrhythmia therapy system

Abstract

This document discusses, among other things, a modular antitachyarrhythmia therapy system. In an example, a modular antitachyarrhythmia system includes at least two separate modules that coordinate delivery an antitachyarrhythmia therapy, such as defibrillation therapy. In another example, a modular antitachyarrhythmia therapy system includes a sensing module, an analysis module, and a therapy module.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An implantable cardiac rhythm management system comprising:
 an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) having a controller, circuitry for delivery of defibrillation therapy, and communications circuitry for communicating with at least an external device and another implantable device, the implantable defibrillator adapted for use with a lead; 
 a lead comprising a plurality of electrodes thereon and adapted for coupling to the ICD such that, when the lead is coupled to the ICD, the circuitry for delivery of defibrillation therapy is coupled to at least one electrode on the lead; 
 a leadless intracardiac module (LIM) adapted for implantation inside the heart of a patient and having at least two electrodes thereon coupled to pacing circuitry for delivery of pacing therapy, the LIM also including communications circuitry for communicating with at least the implantable defibrillator; 
 wherein the LIM is configured to communicate information about one or more sensed parameters to the ICD; and 
 wherein the ICD is configured to determine whether to deliver defibrillation therapy using at least information communicated from the LIM. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1  wherein the ICD is configured to coordinate therapy with the LIM. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1  wherein the ICD is configured to receive the information about one or more sensed parameters to the ICD and, prior to delivering defibrillation therapy, to communicate to the LIM to request that the LIM deliver anti-tachycardia pacing therapy. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 1  wherein the ICD and the LIM are configured to communicate with one another using a radio frequency signal. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1  wherein the ICD and the LIM are configured to communicate with one another using inductive coupling. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 1  wherein the ICD and the LIM are configured to communicate with one another using conduction through the body of a patient. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 1  wherein the ICD is configured as a subcutaneous-only implantable defibrillator having a canister attached to the lead, the canister and lead adapted to be implanted subcutaneously. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 1  wherein the LIM is configured to communicate information about cardiac performance to the ICD. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 1  wherein the LIM is configured to communicate blood pressure data to the ICD. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 1  wherein the LIM is configured to communicate data related to heart sounds to the ICD. 
     
     
       11. An implantable cardiac rhythm management system comprising:
 an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) having a controller, circuitry for delivery of defibrillation therapy, and communications circuitry for communicating with at least an external device and another implantable device, the implantable defibrillator adapted for use with a lead; 
 a lead comprising a plurality of electrodes thereon and adapted for coupling to the ICD such that, when the lead is coupled to the ICD, the circuitry for delivery of defibrillation therapy is coupled to at least one electrode on the lead; 
 a leadless intracardiac module (LIM) adapted for implantation inside the heart of a patient and having sensing circuitry for capturing one or more physiological parameters within the heart, the LIM also including communications circuitry for communicating with at least the implantable defibrillator; 
 wherein the LIM is configured to communicate information about one or more sensed parameters to the ICD; and 
 wherein the ICD is configured to determine whether to deliver defibrillation therapy using at least information communicated from the LIM. 
 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 11  wherein the LIM comprises pacing circuitry for delivering at least pacing therapy to the heart of a patient and the ICD is configured to coordinate therapy with the LIM. 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 12  wherein the ICD is configured to receive the information about one or more sensed parameters to the ICD and, prior to delivering defibrillation therapy, to communicate to the LIM to request that the LIM deliver anti-tachycardia pacing therapy. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 11  wherein the ICD and the LIM are configured to communicate with one another using a radio frequency signal. 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 11  wherein the ICD and the LIM are configured to communicate with one another using inductive coupling. 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 11  wherein the ICD and the LIM are configured to communicate with one another using conduction through the body of a patient. 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 11  wherein the ICD is configured as a subcutaneous-only implantable defibrillator having a canister attached to the lead, the canister and lead adapted to be implanted subcutaneously. 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 11  wherein the LIM is configured to communicate information about cardiac performance to the ICD. 
     
     
       19. The system of  claim 11  wherein the LIM is configured to communicate blood pressure data to the ICD. 
     
     
       20. The system of  claim 11  wherein the LIM is configured to communicate data related to heart sounds to the ICD.